Editorial

Premature Delivery Following Premature Rupture of Membranes: Increasing Frequency with Disappointing Outcome

Authors: John D. Yeast, MD, MSPH

Abstract

Over 4,000,000 infants are born each year in the United States. Preterm delivery, primarily as a result of preterm labor (PTL) and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), is the greatest contributor to newborn and infant morbidity and mortality, far exceeding other complications of pregnancy. In spite of many innovations in the management of pregnancy and threatened preterm labor, the risk of preterm delivery continues to rise. In 2004, 12.5% of all deliveries were preterm.1 That represents a 32% increase since 1952, and a 15% rise in preterm deliveries since 1990.

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References

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